Cat Oreo neglect leads to owner's four-year animal ownership ban

A Johnstone man has been banned from owning animals for four years after failing to seek treatment for his cat Oreo, who suffered a broken leg and ear infection for at least two weeks. Francis McEwan was sentenced at Paisley Sheriff Court and fined £700, with an additional £40 victim surcharge, following a Scottish SPCA investigation into neglect.

The Scottish SPCA attended McEwan’s property in Johnstone, Renfrewshire, in February 2025 after a call to their helpline. Inspectors found Oreo, a black and white cat, visibly limping. On a follow-up visit, an inspector entered the property and found Oreo in clear pain, not putting weight on his front leg. The cat showed significant discomfort during the examination.

A veterinary examination later revealed the full extent of Oreo's suffering. The vet found Oreo very lame on the left front leg, with swelling. There was a small wound on the left hind elbow, with hair missing and scabbing. Oreo's ears were inflamed and had increased wax, consistent with infection. The inspector had also observed two clean small puncture wounds on the cat's left hind leg. During a return visit, the inspector found Oreo's condition had worsened. The vet determined the cat had been suffering for at least two weeks and his welfare had been severely compromised.

McEwan’s response to offers of help

Despite being offered assistance, McEwan did not engage or seek treatment. An inspector from the Scottish SPCA stated: "McEwan was offered help by the Scottish SPCA, which would have helped with initial treatment for his cat." The inspector advised McEwan to keep Oreo in a crate to rest while arranging a vet appointment.

McEwan claimed he contacted the PDSA but was told he did not qualify for free treatment because Oreo was not registered under his name. He admitted he did not seek other veterinary care. The Scottish SPCA attempted to contact McEwan multiple times but failed to get a response. The organisation said McEwan had been told Oreo was suffering unnecessarily. "McEwan chose not to engage with us which resulted in his cat suffering from a broken leg and ear infection for weeks," the inspector said.

Veterinary intervention and outcome

Oreo was eventually removed from the property and taken to the Scottish SPCA’s Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Glasgow for examination. The cat was given pain relief for the broken leg and ear infection. However, due to a poor prognosis for recovery, Oreo was put to sleep on welfare grounds.

Legal consequences for McEwan

The court imposed a four-year ban on owning animals alongside the financial penalty. McEwan is banned from owning animals for four years.